JP2879527B2 - Sheet material feeding device and image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet feeding apparatus for feeding a sheet applied to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, with the development of information processing systems,
Various information processing devices have been developed. Among these devices, recording devices such as facsimile machines and printers are widely used not only in offices but also in ordinary households.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a facsimile to which a conventional sheet feeding apparatus is applied. A cassette 142 for loading a recording paper 141 as a sheet material is mounted at a predetermined position in the apparatus main body.
Pickup roller 1 for separating and transporting one by one
43a, the recording / separating unit 14 including the separating pieces 143b
3. A feed roller pair 145 including a pair of feed rollers 145a and 145b for conveying the separated recording paper 141 to the recording unit 144, a paper feed roller 146, an inkjet head for performing printing, and an inkjet including an ink tank. The cartridge 147 includes a pair of discharge rollers 148 including a pair of discharge rollers 148a and 148b for discharging the printed recording paper 141.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, the recording paper 141 in the cassette 142 is always brought into contact with the pickup roller 143a.
As shown in (a), the middle plate 149 is always lifted. The upper surface of the front edge 142a of the cassette 142 is provided at a position slightly lower than the top of the recording paper 141 so as not to hinder the conveyance of the recording paper.

For this reason, when the cassette 142 loaded with the recording paper 141 is vigorously set at a predetermined position in the apparatus main body, the recording paper 141 above the upper surface of the cassette front edge 142a is moved forward as shown in FIG. Jump out, recording paper 1
There is a possibility that the separation piece 143b for separating the sheets 41 one by one is pushed down, and the sheet cannot be transported.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. It is an object of the present invention to smoothly separate sheet materials stored in a storage member one by one.
An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet material feeding device that can be conveyed.

[0007]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, there is provided a storage member for storing a detachable sheet material in an apparatus body, a conveying member for feeding the sheet material from the storage member, and A separating member for contacting the conveying member and separating the sheet material one by one between the conveying member and the conveying member. It is characterized in that a pressing means is provided which makes the pressure contact force between the member and the conveying member greater than the pressure contact force when the sheet material is conveyed.

It is preferable that the pressing means is operated in accordance with the operation of mounting the storage member on the apparatus main body.

Preferably, the pressing means can be engaged with the storage member.

[0010] The pressing means may be a solenoid.

[0011]

In the feeding device configured as described above, when the storage member is mounted on the apparatus main body, the pressure contact force between the separation member and the transport member is made larger than the pressure contact force when the sheet material is transported. Since the pressing member is provided, when the storage member is mounted on the apparatus main body, the pressure contact state between the separation member and the transport member is maintained.

When the pressing means is operated in conjunction with the operation of mounting the storage member on the apparatus main body, the operation is automatically performed.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are an external view and a sectional view of a facsimile as an image forming apparatus to which a sheet feeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a separation device, which is a main part of the feeding device.

First, the overall structure of the apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
Are inclined so as to become lower at one end (the left side in FIG. 2), and are formed compact as a whole. A document reading section 2 is provided at one end side (left side in FIG. 2) of the apparatus main body 1. The document reading section 2 has a document insertion slot 3 and can slide in the width direction of the document 4 in the document insertion slot 3. Document guide 5 is provided.

A document conveying path of the document reading section 2;
In other words, the upper cover 1 a
An ADF roller 7 is provided between a document discharge port 6 provided at the left end.
a, and an ADF section 7 having a pressing piece 7b pressed by the ADF roller 7a to separate the originals 4 sent from the original guide 5 one by one, and an original 4 separated by the ADF section 7.
Feeder 8 comprising a pair of feed rollers 8a and 8b for feeding the image, a contact image sensor 9 as reading means for reading image information of the document 4 conveyed from the feeder 8, A CS roller 10 serving as a contact unit that conveys the document 4 while closely contacting the reading position 9 a of the contact image sensor 9 with a predetermined pressing force in opposition to the image sensor 9.
And a discharge unit 11 composed of a pair of discharge rollers 11 a and 11 b for discharging the read document 4 from the document discharge port 6.
Etc. are equipped.

Next, the reading operation of the apparatus will be described.

When the original 4 is set on the original guide 5 and a reading start signal is input by an operation switch (not shown), a drive motor (not shown) is driven to drive the ADF roller 7a, the feed roller 8a, the discharge roller 11a, the CS roller 10 Are rotated, and the document 4 is separated one by one by the ADF unit 7 and conveyed to the feeding unit 8.

Next, when the leading edge of the document 4 is detected by a DES sensor (document leading edge detection sensor) (not shown), the drive motor is stopped, and the ADF roller 7a, the feeding roller 8a,
The rotation of the discharge roller 11a and the CS roller 10 temporarily stops.

Next, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the drive motor is driven again, and the ADF roller 7a, the feed roller 8a,
The discharge roller 11a and the CS roller 10 rotate respectively. After the start of rotation of the rollers 7a, 8a, 11a, 10 and the like, the contact type image sensor 9 rotates the CS roller 10 until the leading end of the document 4 is conveyed to the reading position 9a of the contact type image sensor 9. The surface (white as a reference color) is read.

Next, when the leading end of the document 4 is conveyed to the reading device 9a of the contact type image sensor 9, the image information of the document 4 is read. At this time, the original 4 is pressed from just above the reading position 9a of the contact type image sensor 9 by the CS roller 10, that is, since the reading line of the contact type image sensor 9 and the generatrix of the CS roller 10 match, the original 4 Can be read with high accuracy without floating from the reading position 9a.

When the reading of the document 4 is completed in this manner, the document 4 is sent to the discharge unit 11 by the CS roller 10 which also serves as the document transport, and the discharge rollers 11a,
The document is discharged from the document discharge port 6 to the outside of the apparatus by 11b.
Thus, the reading operation of the image information of one document 4 is completed.

If a jam occurs in the original to be read during the reading operation, the top cover 1a is opened around the original discharge portion as the center of rotation, as indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. Then, a pressing piece 7b and a feeding roller (back-up roller) 8 held by a member (not shown) attached to the top cover.
b, CS roller 10, discharge roller (backup roller)
11b moves as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2 and the paper passing surface is released, so that the original 4 can be easily removed.

Next, the configuration of the recording unit will be described. Recording unit 21
Is provided on the other end side (right side in FIG. 2) of the document reading section 2 of the apparatus main body 1. A cassette 23 which is a storage member for loading a recording paper 22 as a sheet material below the center of the apparatus main body 1 is held by the apparatus main body 1. Further, since the cassette cover 24 is made of a transparent member, the remaining amount of the recording paper 22 can be visually checked without pulling out the cassette 23 from the apparatus main body 1. Recording paper 22
At one end (right side in FIG. 2), a pickup roller 25a, which is a conveying member, and a spring (not shown. A spring is used in this embodiment. In this embodiment, a spring is used. The recording sheet 2 separated by the recording / separating section 25 is constituted by a separating member 25b, which is a separating member pressed against the recording sheet 2 by the recording / separating member.
Feeding section 26 comprising a pair of feeding rollers 26a and 26b for feeding the sheet 2, an ink jet cartridge 27 as a recording means for printing on the recording paper 22 conveyed from the feeding section 26, and the ink jet cartridge 27
A paper feed roller 28 for transporting the recording paper 22 to a position substantially opposite to the paper feeder; Is equipped.

Next, the printing operation of the recording unit 21 will be described.

When the original 4 is set on the original guide 5 and an operation switch (not shown) inputs a copy start signal or an image reception signal via a telephone line or the like, a drive motor (not shown) is driven to rotate the pickup roller 25a. The recording paper 22 in the cassette 23 is transported to the separation piece 25b, and the pickup roller 25a and the separation piece 25
The recording paper 22 is separated one by one by a recording separation unit 25 constituted by b, and is conveyed to a feeding unit 26.

Before the recording paper 22 reaches the paper feeding section 26, another driving motor (not shown) is driven to rotate the feeding roller 26a, the paper feeding roller 28, and the paper discharging roller 30a, respectively. 22 is conveyed.

Next, the feed roller 26a and the paper feed roller 28
During this time, the leading edge of the recording paper 22 is detected by a PE sensor (not shown),
After the sensor detects the leading end, the recording paper 22 is conveyed by a predetermined length, and printing is started by the ink jet cartridge 27.

When printing on the recording paper 22 is completed, the recording paper is discharged from the recording discharge port 29 to the outside of the apparatus by discharge rollers 30a and 30b. Thus, the printing operation of the image information for one sheet of the recording paper 22 is completed.

The recording cover 31 is openable and closable about one end (upper right portion of FIG. 2) of the apparatus as a rotation center, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Therefore, the ink cartridge 27 can be easily replaced.

Next, the operation when the cassette 23 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the separation piece 25b.

The separating piece 25b is held by the separating piece plate 25c, and rotates about the center line m in the direction of arrow d or e. On the other hand, normally, the jam release plate 33, which is a pressing means, receives a force in the direction a by the jam spring 32, rotates in the direction b around the center line n, and rotates the separation plate 25c in the direction d (FIG. 4A )reference). By doing so, a gap is provided between the pickup roller 25a and the separation piece 25b, so that the recording paper 22 can be easily removed even if the recording paper 22 is conveyed poorly.

Next, when the cassette 23 is mounted on the apparatus, the jam release plate 33 is pushed in the direction of arrow f against the spring force of the jam spring 32 so that the jam release plate 33 moves in the direction c with the center line n as the center. Then, the cut-and-raised portion 33a of the jam release plate 33 exerts a force to rotate the back surface of the separation piece plate 25d in the rotation direction of the arrow e around the center line m, and presses the pickup roller 25a and the separation piece 25b. increasing the force, the bundle of paper 22 is prevented from lowering down the separation piece 25b (see Figure 4 (b)). However, this state is a state in which the cassette 23 has gone too far from its normal position. When the user finishes the mounting operation of the cassette 23, that is, when the user removes his / her hand from the cassette 23, the cassette 23 is slightly returned to a normal position by the spring force of the jam spring 32 (see FIG. 4C). In this state, the separation plate 25c is not in contact with the jam release plate 33, and a predetermined pressing force is moved between the pickup roller 25a and the separation plate 25b by a spring (not shown), and the recording paper 22
Is carried out one by one.

(Other Embodiments) In the embodiment described above, the movement (mounting) of the cassette 23 is performed.
As a result, the jam release plate 33 and the separation plate 25c move mechanically in conjunction with each other, and the pickup roller 25a and the separation plate 25b move.
This temporarily prevents the bundle of recording papers 22 from pushing down the separation piece 25b when the cassette 23 is set vigorously by increasing the pressing force of the cassette 23. However, an equivalent effect can be obtained by using not only a mechanical method but also an electric method.

That is, the micro switch SW1 detects whether or not the cassette 23 is present, and the micro switch SW2 detects whether or not the cassette 23 is mounted in a proper position, and the two micro switches SW1 and SW2
In this state, the separation plate 25c is pulled toward the pickup roller 25a by the solenoid 34, which is a pressing means, to control the pressing force between the pickup roller 25a and the separation member 25b.

The following describes each state.

(1) When the Cassette 23 is not Mounted As shown in FIG. 5A, SW1 = OFF , SW2 = O
Determined by FF . In this state, the solenoid 34 is not operated, and f = F (hereinafter referred to as F) between the pickup roller 25a and the separation piece 25b by a spring (not shown).
Is the force of the spring. ) Is applied (see FIG. 6A).

In this embodiment, even when the cassette 23 is not mounted, the pickup roller 25a and the separation piece 25b are in pressure contact with each other due to the pressing force of the spring.
When it is not mounted, there is no particular need to press it.

(2) When the Cassette 23 is Mounted SW1 = ON and SW2 = OF as shown in FIG.
Determined by F. Force acting between the pick-up roller 25a by a spring which is not shown in this state and the separation piece 25b: besides f = F, separation pad plate 25c by a solenoid 34 by f ₁ = f ₀ becomes a force to the pickup roller 25a side When the cassette 23 is pulled up (in the direction of arrow g) and the cassette 23 is set vigorously, the bundle of the recording papers 22 is separated.
Thereby preventing depressing the 5b (FIG. 6 (b) ginseng
See ).

(3) Completion of mounting of cassette 23 As shown in FIG. 5C, SW1 = ON , SW2 = ON
Is determined. In this state, the force of the solenoid 34 is not applied (f ₁ = 0), and the spring (not shown) is suitable for separating and conveying the recording paper 22 one by one between the pickup roller 25a and the separation piece 25b. Pressing force: f
= F only ( see FIG. 6C).

In this embodiment, FIG. 6 (a) showing when the cassette 23 is not mounted is the same as FIG. 6 (c) showing when the mounting is completed.

[0043]

The present invention has the above configuration and operation. When the storage member is mounted on the apparatus main body, the pressing force between the separating member and the conveying member is reduced by the pressing force when the sheet material is conveyed. Since the pressing means for increasing the size is provided, when the storage member is attached to the apparatus main body, the press-contact state between the separation member and the conveyance member is maintained, and the sheet material does not push down the separation member as in the related art. It is possible to provide a sheet material feeding device capable of smoothly separating and conveying the sheet materials stored in the members one by one.

By operating the pressing means in conjunction with the operation of attaching the storage member to the apparatus main body, the operation is automatically performed, and the operability is improved.

A simple structure can be obtained by making the pressing means engageable with the storage member or by using a solenoid.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a facsimile apparatus to which a sheet feeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a facsimile machine to which a sheet feeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part of a sheet material feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are schematic diagrams showing the operation of a recording / separating unit of the sheet feeding apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are schematic views showing a cassette mounting operation of a sheet material feeding device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are schematic views showing a recording / separation unit of a sheet feeding apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a facsimile apparatus to which a conventional sheet feeding apparatus is applied.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic views showing movement of a sheet material in a conventional sheet material feeding apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Apparatus main body 22, 141 Recording paper (sheet material) 23, 142 Cassette (storage member) 25, 143 Recording separation section 25a, 143a Pickup roller (conveying member) 25b, 143b Separation piece (separation member) 33 Jam release plate (pressing) Means) 34 solenoid (pressing means)

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] A storage member for storing a sheet material detachable from the apparatus main body, a conveyance member for feeding the sheet material from the storage member, and a sheet material in contact with the conveyance member and one sheet material between the conveyance member and the conveyance member. A separating member for separating the sheet material, wherein when the storage member is mounted on the apparatus main body, the pressing force between the separating member and the conveying member is increased by the pressing force when the sheet material is conveyed. A sheet feeding device, wherein a pressing means for increasing the force is provided. 2. The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing unit is operated in accordance with an operation of mounting the storage member on the apparatus main body. 3. The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said pressing means is engageable with said storage member. 4. The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said pressing means is a solenoid. 5. A sheet material feeding device according to claim 1, further comprising: an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet material fed from the sheet material feeding device. Image forming device.